Before we get into last week’s footy, I want to acknowledge Brent Harvey.

In this day and age, we may never see this again. Not 1 but 2 players reaching the 400 game milestone. First Dustin Fletcher got there earlier this year, a fitting tribute to a humble champion and secondly little Boomer Brent Harvey gets to 400 this week. Amid his coach’s concern that he wasn’t playing his role, Boomer arrives at his 400th against the Brisbane Lions on Saturday night at the Gabba off a 34 stat performance against Essendon, highlighting that he’s capable of going on into season 2016. Will he? Won’t he? Who knows…

Well done Boomer! From the day you first put on a North jumper thru your first Big V jumper where you kicked 5 on an MCG quagmire, you are a testament to loyalty, perseverance, work ethic and ability. The North army mightn’t be as big as other clubs but I think everyone will appreciate your contribution to the game.

Todd Goldstein put on a ruck clinic against an improved Bombers. 56 hitouts mainly to advantage helped the Roos overcome a sluggish start. Essendon’s failure to use ruckmen left McKernan exposed. Bombers on top early but North’s midfielders and forwards led by Big Ben who kicked 4 to a North win by 25pts. Ziebell 3 in last qtr.

Western Red-dogs travelled south to the Cattery to overcome a 13 year hoodoo. Selwood-less Cats relied on emerging Caddy, Guthrie and the returning Duncan to fill the skipper’s absence, ably supported by old pros Kelly and Bartel. Luke Dahlhaus tried to lift the Dogs with 37 also Macrae and Wallis. Cats 8pts. Hawkins, Motlop 3.

The Newbies Cup played out at Club Metricon between the Gold Coast Sunnyboys and the GWS. Devon Smith staked his claim for B&F votes with 3 last qtr goals to get the GWS home by 15pts, ably assisted by Ward, Shaw with 30 stats. Gazza with 30 and 3goals led from the front as did Touk Touk Miller but one Giant step for GWS…

West Coast came to Etihad to take on Collingwood in a game that rated as an 8pt game. At the final siren, injuries to Cloke and McGovern had impacted on both teams immediate futures. A 31pt Eagle win confirmed Simmo’s Eagles are indeed flying high. Bucks has forward issues; both team’s inaccuracy massive. 11.21 – 7.14.

Scary. Hawks dismantled Sydney in a manner similar to Freo the week before. Scarier, the AFL’s complete lack of regard for OH&S. Four bolts protruding near the boundary shredded Roughy’s jumper and skin on the back. Roughy had kicked 5 on return after skin cancer removal. ANZ Stadium IS a joke. Buddy 3 goals in 5 mins.

Freo returned to the winners list, despite losing Ballantyne early with the pec injury du jour..no. 3 in the AFL over the last few weeks! The Blues kept pace with Freo for a half but a last qtr of 3.9 kicked the Dockers to a 42pt win. Accuracy by Freo and maybe a bigger win. Chris Mayne kicked 4 – back in form. Walters and Pavlich yips.

A coolish but dry day at the MCG saw Melbourne host the Brisbane Lions. At the end of the game Melbourne had won by 4 goals. 8.12 to 4.12. The main highlight was the young Demon Jesse Hogan with 4 goals and 11 marks. Best for the Lions was ex-Cat Christensen, Zorko and Taylor. Not a game for the DVD cabinet though. Gawn 38 HO.

An emotional Showdown between Port and Adelaide became a game for the ages as Adelaide withstood a blistering Port finish led by Wingard. 4.5 to 0.2 in the last qtr as Adelaide to win their first game since Phil Walsh’s untimely demise. Scott Thompson got 36 stats and Port’s Ryder offered a viable forward alternative to Schulz with 3.2.

The emotions continued at Etihad for Maddie’s Match between the Saints and Tigers. @40000 turned out to support Maddie Riewoldt’s Vision and the Riewoldt boys took the field and tried to endeavour their teams to victory. The Saints came home with a wet sail but Tigers’ lead too big. A 6.3 to 0.3 last qtr was not enough.

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